Opel will sell a Chinese SUV produced in Spain!

Stellantis is preparing a future electric SUV Opel largely derived from the technology of its Chinese partner Leapmotor.

The collaboration between Stellantis and Leapmotor has reached a new strategic milestone, and Opel intends to take full advantage of it. Behind the industrial announcements unveiled this Thursday, a clear message emerges: the European automaker wants to accelerate its electric offensive by heavily relying on Leapmotor’s Chinese technology. This could lead to a future Opel SUV largely based on a Leapmotor model.

The statement formalizes several major industrial projects in Spain. In Zaragoza, Opel’s historic plant, Stellantis plans to add a new production line for the Leapmotor B10, an electric C-SUV expected as early as 2026. More importantly, the group mentions the production of a “completely new Opel electric C-SUV” starting in 2028.

The most revealing detail lies in the wording used by Stellantis: this future Opel SUV will use “components from the LPMI ecosystem,” the joint venture created between the two groups. In other words, Opel will not merely purchase a few batteries or motors from Leapmotor: the future model could utilize a significant portion of the platform, electronics, and Chinese technical architecture.

Small Arrangements Among Friends

Subtly, Stellantis is likely preparing a rebadging strategy, already widely used in the automotive industry. The future Opel SUV could thus be an adapted and renamed European version of the Leapmotor B10, with slightly modified design and an Opel brand identity.

For Stellantis, the goal is clear: drastically reduce development costs to offer cheaper electric cars in the face of the rising competition from Chinese manufacturers in the European market. Thanks to Leapmotor, the group can quickly access competitive electric platforms while maintaining its historic European brands.

For Leapmotor, this partnership represents an industrial gateway to Europe. The Chinese brand will benefit from Stellantis’ factories, commercial network, and industrial strength to accelerate its global development.

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